31-year-old Australian-Tongan welterweight star 'Doxz' Isi Fitikefu is excited about the possibilities the future holds for him if he defeats highly regarded opponent 'Japanese Beast' Hiroyuki Tetsuka next weekend.
But he isn't looking past his Japanese counterpart and believes Tetsuka is a legitimate threat to his plans.
Speaking to ONE Championship in a recent interview, Fitikefu talked shared his thoughts on Tetsuka, and what a victory over 'Japanese Beast' could do for his career.
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'Doxz' said:
"I don’t know where a win puts me in the title picture, but I’m just taking one fight at a time, winning each fight. If this fight puts me up into title contention, then let it be. But I’m not looking past him."
Fitikefu is looking at a world title shot should he get past the highly regarded Tetsuka. Needless to say, a lot is riding on this pivotal welterweight MMA clash.
'Doxz' Isi Fitikefu is set to lock horns with 'Japanese Beast' Hiroyuki Tetsuka at ONE 168: Denver, which broadcasts live from the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Friday, September 6.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free on Amazon Prime Video. Limited tickets are still available via Ticketmaster.
Isi Fitikefu accepts underdog role against Hiroyuki Tetsuka at ONE 168: "Seeing someone fight like that motivates me"
Isi Fitikefu has no delusions of being the favorite in his next fight, especially against a guy as dangerous as Hiroyuki Tetsuka when the two meet at ONE 168: Denver.
Fitikefu says he's fine with being the underdog. He told ONE:
"I’ve been watching [Tetsuka]. He’s been winning a lot. Seeing someone fight like that motivates me because I’m an underdog. I like this matchup. It’s challenging. I get to test myself against the best, so I’m just keen to get in there. Even though I haven’t been active since last April due to a few injuries, I’ve been working hard, leveling up my skills and everything."
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding ONE 168: Denver as it happens.